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2026 GUIDE

Grey Silverfish

Ctenolepisma longicaudata

Grey Silverfish are common household pests in Australia, particularly in urban areas. They are known for their destructive feeding habits on paper, books, and other cellulose-based materials, making them a significant nuisance in homes and libraries.

Updated ·Reviewed by the LocalTradeGuide Editorial Team
Professional Treatment Recommended

For effective control and prevention, professional pest management is recommended.

Expert Identification
Control Methods
Prevention Tips

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12-15mm
Body Length
Nocturnal
Activity

Grey Silverfish At-A-Glance

Key facts and characteristics

12-15mm
Body Length
Negligible
Weight
Nocturnal
Activity

Complete Grey Silverfish Guide

Professional identification and control information

Grey Silverfish are common household pests in Australia, particularly in urban areas. They are known for their destructive feeding habits on paper, books, and other cellulose-based materials, making them a significant nuisance in homes and libraries.

Identification

How to accurately identify Grey Silverfish

Expert Tips

Look for their silvery-grey scales and long, slender antennae to identify Grey Silverfish.

Confusion Species

They can be confused with other silverfish species, but the long antennae and metallic appearance are key distinguishing features.

Key Identification Features

The long, slender antennae and silvery-grey scales are key features for pest professionals.

Biology & Lifecycle

Understanding Grey Silverfish biology and development

Anatomy

Grey Silverfish have a segmented body with a head, thorax, and abdomen, covered in silvery-grey scales.

Genetics

Population genetics studies are limited, but they are known to have a high reproductive rate.

Lifecycle Details

Egg Stage

Eggs are laid in small crevices and hatch in 2-3 weeks.

Adult Stage

Adults live for 2-3 years and continue to molt throughout their life.

Pupal Stage

Not applicable. Grey Silverfish do not have a pupal stage.

Larval Stage

Not applicable. Grey Silverfish do not have a larval stage.

Development Time

Development from egg to adult takes 3-4 months under optimal conditions.

Reproduction Rate

Multiple generations per year, with females laying up to 100 eggs in their lifetime.

Habitat & Distribution

Where Grey Silverfish lives and thrives

Hiding Spots

  • behind skirting boards
  • in bookshelves
  • under flooring

Nesting Behavior

They do not build nests but prefer dark, humid environments for hiding.

Preferred Habitats

  • bathrooms
  • kitchens
  • libraries

Humidity Preference

They prefer high humidity environments, typically above 75%.

Nesting Requirements

They do not build nests but require dark, humid environments for hiding.

Temperature Preference

They prefer temperatures between 21-26°C, which are common in Australian homes.

Distribution Patterns

Native Range

Native to Australia.

Climate Zones

Found in temperate and subtropical regions of Australia.

Urban Vs Rural

More common in urban areas, particularly in homes and buildings.

Introduced Range

Native to Australia.

Spread Mechanism

Spread through human activity, particularly in the transport of goods and materials.

Australian States

Found in all Australian states and territories.

Establishment Factors

They thrive in human-made environments with high humidity and access to food sources.

Behavior & Diet

Grey Silverfish behavioral patterns and feeding habits

Social Behavior

Grey Silverfish are generally solitary but can be found in groups in favorable conditions.

Activity Pattern

They are nocturnal, becoming active at night to forage for food.

Foraging Behavior

They forage at night, feeding on carbohydrates found in paper, books, and other cellulose-based materials.

Dispersal Behavior

They can disperse through buildings via wall voids and other small openings.

Territorial Behavior

They are not territorial and can be found in groups in favorable conditions.

Dietary Preferences

Aphid Farming

Not applicable.

Feeding Habits

Grey Silverfish feed on carbohydrates, particularly those found in paper, books, and other cellulose-based materials.

Foraging Range

They typically forage within a few meters of their hiding spots.

Feeding Patterns

They are nocturnal feeders, often causing damage to materials overnight.

Primary Food Sources

  • paper
  • books
  • glue

Seasonal Diet Changes

No significant seasonal changes.

Health Risks

Health concerns associated with Grey Silverfish

Important Health Information

Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.

Allergens

None known.

Contamination Risk

Grey Silverfish can contaminate food and materials with their feces and shed skins.

Disease Transmission

Not a known vector of diseases.

Prevention

Proactive strategies to prevent Grey Silverfish infestations

Grey silverfish prevention relies on eliminating moisture and denying access to storage areas where starches and cellulose accumulate, with attention to the warmer, drier enclosed spaces this species favours. Ventilation is critical in Australian homes — roof voids require ridge or soffit vents to reduce humidity and prevent stagnant air (common in Federation eaves and timber-frame weatherboard cavities); subfloors benefit from increased under-house venting or smart vents to maintain airflow year-round. Seal all cracks and gaps in walls, around picture-frame hangings, behind skirting boards, and behind plumbing penetrations with silicone caulk or foam sealant; grey silverfish are smaller than common silverfish and exploit very tight spaces. Store documents, photographs, textiles, and old books in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes (which retain moisture and provide food). Declutter dark cupboards and wardrobes — grey silverfish thrive in stacked, undisturbed areas. Use sealed plastic wardrobe dehumidifiers (rechargeable or silica-based) in enclosed storage spaces. For valuable archives or collections, maintain indoor humidity below 50% using a household dehumidifier; silverfish eggs fail to hatch below 50% RH. (https://professionalpestmanager.com/silverfish/) (https://markspestcontrol.com.au/how-to-get-rid-of-silverfish/)

Control Methods

Effective treatment options for Grey Silverfish control

Grey silverfish (Ctenolepisma calva) are dull grey to white-pearlescent insects that, unlike metallic silver common silverfish, tolerate warmer and drier indoor conditions — making them common in roof voids, enclosed cupboards, and northern subtropical zones where common silverfish are less active. Control follows the same principles as common silverfish but with emphasis on warmer, drier enclosed spaces rather than cool, humid subfloors. Humidity reduction is the primary long-term strategy: dehumidifiers in affected areas, improved ventilation in roof voids and subfloors, and exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms reduce populations at source. Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) applied to cracks behind picture frames, skirting boards, and along baseboards damages the insect's exoskeleton and causes dehydration; food-grade DE is non-toxic to humans and pets and is available from hardware stores for self-application. For severe or roof-void infestations, AEPMA-licensed technicians apply residual insecticide dust and sprays to roof voids, cupboards, and wall cavities where colonies establish; multiple treatments over 2–4 weeks may be required. (https://www.aepma.com.au/PestDetail/39/Silverfish) (https://professionalpestmanager.com/silverfish/) (https://www.ecopestcontroladelaide.com.au/how-much-does-pest-control-cost/)

Professional Services

Featured Silverfish Control Providers

Connect with verified, professional pest control specialists in your area. These providers are highly rated and experienced in silverfish control.

Seasonal Patterns

Grey Silverfish seasonal activity and management timing

Autumn

Activity remains consistent throughout the year, with no significant seasonal changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Grey Silverfish

Are Grey Silverfish dangerous?

Grey Silverfish are not dangerous to humans but can cause significant damage to books, paper, and other cellulose-based materials.

How do I identify Grey Silverfish?

Grey Silverfish can be identified by their silvery-grey scales, long antennae, and elongated, flattened body.

How do I control Grey Silverfish?

Control methods include reducing humidity, sealing entry points, and using insecticides or baits specifically designed for silverfish.

How do I identify a grey silverfish in my home?

Grey silverfish are 13–25 mm long, wingless insects with a flattened body tapering to three tail filaments. Unlike common silverfish — which are metallic silver in colour and found in cool, damp spaces — grey silverfish are dull grey or white-pearlescent and tolerate warmer, drier conditions. They move quickly with a fish-like wriggling motion and are attracted to darkness. Look for them in roof voids, cupboards, behind picture frames, in book stacks, and under floorboards, especially during summer. Irregular holes in papers, books, or fabrics, and fine white droppings or shed skin scales in cracks are signs of their presence. (https://www.aepma.com.au/PestDetail/39/Silverfish)

Are grey silverfish dangerous in Australia?

Grey silverfish do not bite, sting, or transmit disease, and pose no direct health threat to humans or pets. Their shed scales contain the protein tropomyosin, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals — sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and in rare cases, asthma-like symptoms. If you experience symptoms, consult your GP. The main risk is damage to property: books, archival documents, photographs, old textiles, and stored starchy foods are vulnerable to holes and discolouration over weeks or months. (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-silverfish)

How much does grey silverfish control cost in Australia?

Self-treatment with food-grade diatomaceous earth costs AUD $10–$25 per container and suits minor infestations in accessible areas. Professional pest control inspection and a single treatment by AEPMA members typically costs AUD $150–$400, depending on property size and infestation severity. Roof-void treatments or multiple applications may increase costs to AUD $400–$800. Obtain quotes from AEPMA-registered businesses and request details on treatment method and follow-up schedule. (https://www.ecopestcontroladelaide.com.au/how-much-does-pest-control-cost/)

When are grey silverfish most active in Australia?

Grey silverfish are active year-round indoors in heated, stable-temperature homes. Activity increases during summer months when roof voids and wall cavities warm to 25–30°C and indoor humidity rises in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. In unheated older Australian homes, winter activity may decline if roof voids drop below 15°C. Population growth accelerates in summer due to shorter egg incubation times and faster nymphal development — infestations established in winter may become apparent by late spring. (https://professionalpestmanager.com/silverfish/)

Should I call a professional for grey silverfish?

Call an AEPMA-licensed pest control professional if you suspect roof-void or subfloor infestation (inaccessible without professional equipment), household diatomaceous earth applications fail after 3–4 weeks, you have valuable archival collections, or the infestation spans multiple rooms. For isolated minor infestations in accessible cupboards, diatomaceous earth is a reasonable first step. Professionals can advise on sealing and ventilation improvements suited to your specific home type — Federation eaves, weatherboard cavities, and modern sealed-cavity brick all require different approaches. (https://www.aepma.com.au/PestDetail/39/Silverfish)

Get Expert Help with Grey Silverfish Control

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Why Choose Professional Help?

  • Accurate Grey Silverfish identification
  • Safe and effective treatment methods
  • Customized control strategies
  • Experienced pest control technicians
  • Ongoing prevention advice

Emergency Response

Some providers offer emergency callouts for urgent silverfish issues — check availability

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